Crime Without Passion (Paramount, 1934). Very Fine+ on Linen. One Sheet (27" X 41").. ...

Description

Crime Without Passion (Paramount, 1934). Very Fine+ on Linen. One Sheet (27" X 41").
1934's Crime Without Passion is one of two films that fabled writing team Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur directed (although much credit also needs to be given to cinematographer Lee Garmes). It is an existential murder yarn that has arrogant attorney Lee Gentry (Claude Rains) killing his mistress (played by Margo), and calmly arranging to cover the crime. But through some clever writing and direction, via Nietzsche...and a stunning montage of the three classical furies flying through New York in search of a victim, Gentry breaks down and confesses. Claude Rains was following up his talkie debut in The Invisible Man the year prior, which garnered critical and public acclaim and made a film star out of the stage icon Rains. He was paired with Margo and Whitney Bourne, both in their first starring roles. Despite the lack of star power, Crime Without Passion received favorable reviews from the press, with Photoplay going as far as to say that "Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur have produced a picture that is truly remarkable. Its theme, the workings of an unscrupulous mind, might have been crudely melodramatic in the hands of less skilled craftsmen. Suspense is maintained throughout every foot of the film."
This gorgeous one sheet features the three stars, and with its use of a lightning bolt separating Rains from the women, successfully hints at what is to come in the film. There is only edge wear with tiny chips in the borders, a few pinholes, and the occasional smudge, which were all addressed by professional restoration and linen backing since the last time we offered this poster (as part of the Mike Kaplan collection in 2020). Presents beautifully. Property from a Distinguished Collection.


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